Upset over council tree felling at St Catherine's Hill

Wendy Long, Roy Avery, and Jackie Milton described how their normal dog walking route across St Catherine’s Hill had been ‘destroyed’ by the council cutting down trees.

BCP Council say the tree felling is part of a larger project to manage and protect habitats at the reserve, but the trio argue it has gone too far, and say it has made the area ‘unrecognisable’.

• Read more: Residents concern over tree felling at Avon Heath

Wendy, who has been visiting St Catherine’s Hill for years, told the Daily Echo: “Gradually, over the years more clearing has happened.

Wendy Long, Roy Avery, and Jackie Milton at St Catherine's Hill (Image: NQ)

“The poor wildlife is disappearing. Once there were birds singing, now its just silent. It’s heartbreaking.

“Someone did put a sign up there saying ‘stop destroying our trees’. I wouldn’t go out protesting but we do need an answer.

• Read more: Tree felling for Canford Park project draws resident anger

Roy added: “It’s very sad. This used to be such a pleasant place to come and walk.”

The three dog walkers had been particularly upset by a spell of felling that took place over the weekend of February 18 and 19.

Wendy had been out walking with her dog on the Saturday morning when she noticed a large area of reserve that had been cleared, and piles of debris left behind.

Tree felling at St Catherine's Hill (Image: NQ)

She said: “My dog went ahead of me, and he stopped, almost like, ‘what’s happened here? Am I in the right place?’ “I was stunned to see it.”

Wendy's concerns were put to BCP Council, who responded: "We are blessed to have so many wonderful green spaces within the local area and St Catherine’s Hill is highly valued for its significant nature, geology and archaeological interest.

“The site forms part of a larger area of sensitive heathland that is jointly managed by BCP, the RSPB, Dorset Wildlife Trust and The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust.

“Any tree felling is part of the works stated in the St Catherine's Hill management plan, which is in place to manage and protect the sensitive and specialist habitats. The management plan is currently being updated.”